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Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb.

Yordan Alvarez homers again, Astros take commanding 2-0 lead over Mariners in ALDS

While not quite as dramatic as Tuesday's walk-off homer in Game 1, Houston Astros' slugger Yordan Alvarez broke the Seattle Mariners' hearts again on Thursday.

Jerry Jones on his 80th birthday: 'You can have one hell of a time after you're 40 years old'

On Thursday, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones celebrated his 80th trip around the sun and discussed on a radio show the difference between his 80th birthday and his 40th.

Phil Mickelson: 'I see LIV Golf trending upwards, I see the PGA Tour trending downwards'

Phil Mickelson had much to say on Thursday ahead of this week's LIV Golf Invitational Jeddah in King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia.

Troy Aikman: Cooper Rush's success creates 'real question' at QB Cowboys must answer

Will the Cowboys continue to ride Rush's hot hand or turn back to Prescott once healthy?

Padres hold on for 5-3 win over Dodgers in Game 2, even NLDS 1-1

The San Diego Padres held on for a 5-3 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night, evening up the best-of-five National League Division Series at 1-1. 

Kyle Wright silences Phillies' bats in Game 2, Braves tie NLDS 1-1

Wright allowed only two hits and struck out six to earn the win on the mound, evening up the series as it heads to Philadelphia for Games 3 and 4. 

Blue Jackets' Patrik Laine leaves season opener with upper-body injury

Midway through the second period, Laine's right arm appeared to get sandwiched awkwardly between a Hurricanes player and the glass.

Watch: Braves' Dansby Swanson makes ridiculous diving over-the-shoulder catch in NLDS

Swanson made an incredible play in game that was a classic pitcher's duel. 

Ben Simmons snaps back in response to viral airball clip

The much-maligned Simmons was the butt of jokes once again this week after a video clip surfaced of him shooting an airball during a public relations event held by the Nets. 

Panthers interim HC Steve Wilks 'confident in' backup QB PJ Walker if Baker Mayfield misses time

If Mayfield can't go on Sunday, the Panthers will turn to backup PJ Walker in what would be his third career NFL start. 

Sabres HC Don Granato on two-year extension: 'It was an easy yes'

Ahead of their 2022-23 season opener on Wednesday, the Buffalo Sabres announced a two-year contract extension with head coach Don Granato.

Texans rookie RB Dameon Pierce makes breaking tackles sound easy

Houston Texans rookie running back Dameon Pierce is already turning heads only five games into his NFL career.  With over half of his yards this season

Watch: Bills DC Leslie Frazier giddy for Pro Bowl CB Tre'Davious White's return to practice

White's imminent return will give the Bills a considerable boost on the backend of their already-stout defense. And defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier couldn't be happier. 

Justin Tucker's last-second FG lifts Ravens over Bengals, 19-17

Joe Burrow and the Bengals left 1:58 on the clock, which was plenty of time for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens to put together a game-winning drive. 

Joe Musgrove silences Mets' bats, helps Padres advance to NLDS

Musgrove was dominant, allowing just one hit through seven innings of work to earn the win on the mound.

Watch: Mets call for substance check on Padres RHP Joe Musgrove, find nothing

After the check, Musgrove struck out Tomas Nido before gesturing toward the Mets' dugout.

Kyler Murray's late-game mistake dooms Cardinals, helps Eagles stay undefeated

The Arizona Cardinals may have some trouble getting over this one.

Dak Prescott would need to make 'significant strides' to play Week 6 vs. Eagles

The Cowboys have been without starting quarterback Dak Prescott since he sustained a fractured thumb in Week 1, requiring surgery. 

49ers DE Nick Bosa leaves game vs. Panthers with groin injury

Bosa exited the game in the first half and was examined on the sidelines before being ruled out a short time later. 

Josh Allen says he 'missed a few throws' after 424-yard, four-touchdown performance vs. Steelers

The Bills quarterback had a game to remember Sunday against the Steelers. 

New NFL, NFLPA concussion protocols kept Dolphins QB Teddy Bridgewater from returning to game against Jets

Before Week 5, the NFL and NFLPA introduced changes to the league's concussion protocols in the interest of player safety.

Aaron Nola's strong outing helps Phillies eliminate Cardinals, advance to NLDS

The Philadelphia Phillies hadn't made it to the postseason in 11 years. Now, they're headed to the National League Division Series.

Big seventh inning helps Mets even Wild Card series with Padres

RBI from Jeff McNeil, Eduardo Escobar, and Daniel Vogelbach led to a four-run inning, putting New York ahead 7-2 heading into the eighth inning. 

Pitt RB Israel Abanikanda breaks school's single-game rushing record with 320 yards

Abanikanda averaged a ridiculous 8.9 yards per carry against Virginia Tech, rushing for 320 yards and six touchdowns off 36 carries. 

Watch: Deion Sanders has heated exchange with Alabama State HC Eddie Robinson Jr. after Jackson State victory

After Jackson State knocked off Alabama State, 26-12, on Saturday, nothing seemed amiss. That is until the postgame handshake between head coaches Deion Sanders and Eddie Robinson Jr.